Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1887-12-30


why, sister, dear: il is very wrong for
you to complain said her brother Frank
as he gazel on the array of presents that
covered the table top and half hid tho sofa
on which she was sitting. You have four
times as many gifts as | have, and, l tell
YOU, In quite woll satisfied to get what /
did"
well, you have just what you asked for,
and / haven't. You wanted watch,
ring, knife, a fur-cap and q double-run-
ner; and you've got every one OF them. /
asked for pair Of skates only, and | have
every thing did not want and no skates.
don't care; think IL real mean" and she
buried her face in the sofa and began to
sob.
Her brother watched her for few min
utes with an expression of sympathy on his
open countenance; then he took out his
pocket-book and counted its contents.
ssHere, sister, take this, dear. 1t is only
five dollars; but IT'S all | have. 1t is just
the price Of the pair Of skates you saw in
Cheapman's window last week. l wanted
to buy them for yon. and was afraid mother
would feel displeased; but you may buy
them yourself, and she will not scold nae
them"
go, Frank, what dear, good brother you
through her tears. IL would rather have
the skates than all the rest of my presents.
wish had them now. Won't you put on
YOUR coat and come with me while buy
them. 1t won't take long and I'd rather not
go Alone" she said, coaxingly, as she
placed her smooth velvcty check against his.
Eyes, IL you will hurry. l wish to be here
when Uncle Eph comes; wouldn't miss
seeing him for any thing"
Pearl disappeared from the room and
soon returned wreathed In smiles at the
prospect Of having her long longed-for
skates soon in her possession.
'tReady In a minute" she said, as She
quickly tied on her hood and felt in her
pocket for her mittens.
Frank put on his overcoat and hat and
took his sisters hand as they stepped out
side the door; and their mother, who heard
the door shut, watched them from the win
dow above, and she felt thankful that God
had blessed her with the possession of two
rare jewels.
Mrs. Templeton was widow who en-
joyed q good income and lived In comforta-
BILE surroundings. Her husband died when
Pearl was less than year old, and, as the
baby of the family. Pearl had been petted
and made-of until she was spoiled child.
u
who thought his little eight-year sister
was q marvel of sweetness and perfection,
although she often vexed him sorely.
He had an indistinct idea that he had not
done quite right IN giving to his sister the
money with which to buy the skates but he
had been unable to withstand her grief and
disappointment.
AS they merrily pursued their way, taking
q short slide wherever the frozen sleet al
forded an opportunity, their faces became a.
glow with the healthful exercise and many
pedestrians stopped to watch the handsome
pair indulging their glee.
Suddenly, Pearl discovered long,
smooth slide, and with CHEEKY shout, she
made a short run and shd to the corner of
the sidewalk, just in time to collide with a
man who was about to turn up the street.
| AHA! Merry Christmas, my little
dears p said he, as he took Pearl on his arm
snd kissed her, while he balanced him
self with his cane to meet the shock OF an
other collision with Frank, who had fol
lowed close behind Pearl.
"Wish you the same, Uncle Eph," replied
the lad, as he stopped short and graspet
his uncle's hand
swell, where are you two rogues bount
50 earlyr' asked their uncle, pinchinl
Pearls rosy cheeks and Franks rudd,
chin.
"Down to be hardware store to buy ,
pair of skates, sir,'' replied Frank.
" 4 pair Of skates ~ repeated their un
Gle, with au air Of sadness. Nonsense
You don't need a pair Of skates. Why
you'll only skin your nose, crack YOU
elbow and bump yourself black and blue I
you had pair" .
"They are not for me, sir. They are 70
Pearl, and she wants them SO muoh," plead
ed the boy.
ayes; Frank gave me Christmas mono.
to buy them with. ! bad ever 50 wan.
tpressnts, apdan wanted was . pair 3
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